Recently in Sunday Times , I happened to come across one fine, hilarious article.It talks about words that come together to imply a common truth but when delved deeper it leads to absolutely nothing.These are termed as Annoying Expressions by the writer. Moreover there are expressions used in Free India excessively some of which don’t even make any sense.Some do explain the ideas but they have been used so much by all kinds of people that they have lost their meaning.Here are some of these which keep us thinking about their meaning and ultimately force us to convulse into laughter.
A Digital Divide
This is catchy hence seems interesting. But the distinction between the rich and the poor is an ancient phenomenon which is least meaningfully expressed through ownership of computers.In fact the expression ‘rich poor divide’itself is meaningless because nobody is rich unless there are the poor and vice versa.Yet, so powerful is nonsense that the very idea of digital divide has made Indian government foolishly spend crores on procuring computers for starving farmers.
Anti incumbency factor
Usually used by psephologists when they want to say, “ We don’t understand these bloody illiterate voters”.
Indomitable spirit of Mumbai
The habit of people in the financial capital taking the trains a day after a terrorist strike or biblical floods.The expression is usually used by people who don’t take trains.
Indian Culture
Used chiefly by Indian males who have not read enough to know that other nations too have culture! The expression is always invoked to address the modernity of women.
Indian Brain
An illusionary organ claimed by Indians mistaking the success of IITians as a consequence of a common national intelligence. This is used in the context of other illusionary concepts like “ IT boom” and “ Software Superpower”.
“ I am in search of my identity”
A ritualistic quote of creative people when they have just become famous.
“ I was misquoted”
A statement of a celebrity in reaction to his or her quote in a newspaper after parents and friends took offence.
“Off the record”
“ I may be lying”
Paradigm Shift
An expression used by MBA graduates when they want to say that they do not know what they are talking about.It is often accompanied by ‘ synergy’ and ‘ leverage’.
Women on top
A headline found on glossy paper.It is used to signify a triumph of women.Like when they say,” storm the male bastion”.Women on top is interchangeable with “ GIRL POWER” and this is often followed by one or more exclamation marks.
Maiden bowls them over.
No idea what that means. Lol
“ Rekha is an enigma”
Rekha is not giving interviews!!!
The power of nonsense is truly immense , it is in fact , a relentless cultural force that is far more influential than sense.
Aditya Joshi...courtsey TIMES OF INDIA
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